Provincial budget – increased accessibility and quality for universities

The 2011 provincial budget announced new funding for Ontario's postsecondary
institutions. Enrolment growth will trigger operating grant increases of over $64
million in 2011/12, growing to over $300 million 2013-14. The expansion will
support Ontario's goal of raising Ontario's postsecondary attainment rate to 70 per cent
by supporting 60,000 new student spots for colleges and universities over the next
five years.

“It is incredibly helpful that the province has presented a three-year funding plan that
not only stresses accessibility but lays out the government's goal to increase quality
and modernize the delivery of university education,” said McMaster president Patrick
Deane. “It is important that these two components stay balanced in order for McMaster
to continue to deliver the innovative programs and student experience that attract
growing numbers of applications each year.”

Across Ontario, this year has seen a 1.7% growth in university applications. At
McMaster, student demand surpasses that provincial increase. Overall applications for
this year have risen by 5.7% and the number of students who name McMaster as their
first choice has increased by 6.2%. Deane said, “We look forward to working with the
province on how we are best able to support the growth targets while strengthening
McMaster's standing as one of only two Ontario universities consistently ranked as one
of the top 100 in the world.”